Top 10 Alpine Huts and Base Camps in Pakistan's Karakoram
The Karakoram range in northern Pakistan contains four of the world's fourteen eight-thousanders: K2 (8611 m — the world's second highest and most dangerous peak), Broad Peak (8047 m), Gasherbrum I (8080 m), and Gasherbrum II (8034 m). The approach to these peaks via the Baltoro Glacier is one of the greatest mountain walks on Earth — 90 km from Askole to K2 Base Camp through terrain of extraordinary scale. The "huts" here are camping sites: flat ground on glacial moraine where tents are pitched, with porters carrying supplies and expedition teams establishing kitchens at each stage.
1. Concordia, 4691 m — Baltoro Glacier confluence
The most celebrated camp on the Baltoro Glacier, Concordia sits at the confluence of the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen glaciers at 4691 m. On a clear day, four of the world's eight-thousanders are simultaneously visible from this point: K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. No permanent structure exists; groups pitch expedition tents on the moraine. The approach from Askole takes 6–8 days; the standard camp nights are Jhola, Paiju, Khurpa Khare, Goro I, Goro II, and Concordia.
2. K2 Base Camp, 5150 m — Godwin-Austen Glacier
The K2 Base Camp at 5150 m on the Godwin-Austen Glacier is the terminus of the standard trekking approach. No permanent hut exists; expedition teams bring all equipment. Access requires a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Pakistan's Alpine Club and Ministry of Tourism. Trekking-only groups (not climbing) can reach K2 Base Camp with a trekking permit; the route above requires a climbing permit. The base camp season is June–August; during expedition season (same period) the camp becomes a small city of tents.
3. Broad Peak Base Camp, 4940 m — Godwin-Austen Glacier
Adjacent to K2 Base Camp, the Broad Peak Base Camp sits at approximately 4940 m below the west face of Broad Peak (8047 m). The standard Broad Peak normal route (the West Ridge) is considered one of the more accessible eight- thousanders and draws significant guided expedition traffic in July–August.
4. Goro II Camp, 4350 m — Baltoro Glacier
On the upper Baltoro Glacier above the major icefall section, Goro II at 4350 m is the camp before Concordia and provides a good acclimatisation night. Basic camping on moraine platforms; no fixed facilities.
5. Khurpa Khare (Khurpa Daban), 3800 m — Baltoro Glacier
A key mid-glacier camp at approximately 3800 m, Khurpa Khare is where glacier conditions change from navigable rocky moraine to more technical ice terrain. This is also the zone where acute mountain sickness typically first affects groups that have ascended too rapidly from Askole (2938 m) in three days.
6. Paiju Camp, 3415 m — Baltoro approach, Hushe Valley
The last major camp before the Baltoro Glacier proper, Paiju at 3415 m has basic camping facilities on a gravel flat beside the Braldo river. The large juniper trees at Paiju are among the last vegetation before the glacier. A rest day here is standard to prepare for the multi-day glacier approach.
7. Trango Base Camp, 4200 m — Trango Towers
The Trango Towers — a cluster of sheer granite spires including the Great Trango Tower (6286 m) with the world's tallest near-vertical cliff face — are approached from the main Baltoro trail. The Trango base camp at approximately 4200 m serves rock and alpine climbing teams attempting the towers' famous routes. No facilities; expedition camping only.
8. Askole Village Guesthouses, 2938 m — Braldu Valley
The last permanent settlement before the Baltoro approach, Askole (2938 m) marks the genuine beginning of the wilderness. Several family guesthouses provide the last overnight in a permanent building before the glacier. Many expedition teams use Askole for a final equipment check and porter briefing. Reached from Skardu by 4WD (7–10 hours on rough road).
9. Skardu Guesthouses, 2228 m — Gilgit-Baltistan capital
The gateway city for all Karakoram expeditions, Skardu (2228 m) has a full range of guesthouses, hotels, and expedition support services. All Baltoro expeditions stage through Skardu for permit collection, porter hiring, and equipment consolidation. The K2 Museum and Skardu Fort are the primary cultural attractions.
10. Masherbrum Base Camp, 3800 m — Hushe Valley
Masherbrum (7821 m) is reached via the Hushe valley — a different approach from the Baltoro system. The Masherbrum base camp at approximately 3800 m in the Kaberi Glacier basin is a quieter and less-visited alternative to the K2/Baltoro corridor.
Permits and entry requirements
All trekking and climbing in the Karakoram requires permits from Pakistan's Ministry of Tourism. Trekking permits for the Baltoro Glacier up to K2 Base Camp (but not on the mountain itself) are issued through licensed Pakistani trekking agencies; the permit process requires approximately 2–3 months lead time. Climbing permits for the eight-thousanders cost USD 1,200–1,400 per peak, per person. The permit system requires travel through a licensed Pakistani guide company.
Reaching Skardu from Islamabad requires either a 20-hour road journey through the Karakoram Highway and Gilgit, or a 1-hour flight on PIA to Skardu Airport. The PIA Skardu route is subject to frequent weather cancellations — the Karakoram cloud cover regularly closes the airport for days at a time. Most expeditions build 3–5 buffer days in Islamabad or Skardu for this contingency.
The Baltoro approach: what it involves
The Baltoro Glacier approach from Askole to Concordia (60 km) takes 6–8 days walking. The glacier is one of the largest non-polar glaciers in the world, carrying a lateral moraine of enormous boulders that makes walking slow and technically demanding even before altitude is a factor. The scale of the surrounding peaks is unlike anything in the Alps or even the Nepal Himalaya: the walls of K2, the Gasherbrums, and the Trango Towers rise 3000–4000 m directly from the glacier.
Porter hire is mandatory and regulated. A typical Concordia trek uses 30–50 porters for a group of 6–8 trekkers; the porters require specific equipment provisions (boots, shelter) mandated by the Ministry of Tourism. The Hushe Valley approach to Masherbrum and other lesser-visited peaks is a quieter alternative with a smaller logistical footprint.
K2: the Savage Mountain
K2 (8611 m) has a fatality rate approximately four times higher than Everest. The mountain is technically demanding on all routes and has historically been the site of some of mountaineering's most dramatic incidents — the 1986 season (13 deaths), the 2008 disaster (11 deaths in a single weekend in August). The mountain does not have the commercial accessibility of Everest; guided expeditions are available but require genuine high-altitude experience from all participants. K2 via the Abruzzi Spur is the standard route; even this route involves mixed terrain at above 8000 m that demands technical competence and good conditions.
Explore on the map
Pakistan Karakoram base camps and camping sites are plotted on the Open the map — use it to plan the Baltoro approach and understand the sequence of overnight camps to K2 Base Camp.